News Summary: World air fleet to double

News Summary: Boeing predicts global fleet of airplanes will double in 20 years

ASIA TAKE-OFF: Boeing says that the number of commercial aircraft in operation globally will double in the next two decades, with the bulk of some 35,000 new planes going to Asia.

FUELING CHANGE: High fuel prices are forcing carriers to think harder about efficiency, and that means smaller planes that burn less fuel. It also means design changes, streamlined air traffic control and better routes.

SIZE MATTERS; Boeing predicted that 24,670 of the airplanes to be delivered would be single-aisle craft, seating between 90 and 230 passengers. Just 760 were expected to be large wide-body jets.